When you’ve just paid rent and need to think about other expenses, we think food shouldn’t have to be high on the stress list.
Rent-week meals need to be easy and affordable — bonus points if they can be repurposed for multiple meals.
Whether you’re living alone or with others, these affordable dishes can be fixtures in your recipe rotation. They are ideal for times when funds are low, time is short and you’re craving something flavorful and filling that can keep on giving.
Cold Tahini Noodles With Vegetables, above. All you need to do here is: Cook your noodles, whisk a sauce together and throw in some crunchy vegetables. Done! This dish keeps well in the fridge, as it is supposed to be served cold. You can add in extra protein like tofu or chicken if you’d like, though plenty of tahini makes this dish filling.
(Tom McCorkle for The Washington Post; food styling by Lisa Cherkasky for The Washington Post)

(Tom McCorkle for The Washington Post; food styling by Lisa Cherkasky for The Washington Post)
Italian Sausage, Squash and Pasta Skillet. Got squash? Toss into a skillet with pasta and sausage for a filling, easy to reheat, flavorful dinner in minutes.
[One-pan dinners, from summery skillet pasta to spicy red shakshuka]

(Tom McCorkle for The Washington Post; food styling by Lisa Cherkasky for The Washington Post)
[5 recipes for sandwiches, salads and other summer favorites that require minimal cooking for maximum enjoyment]
(Tom McCorkle for The Washington Post; food styling by Lisa Cherkasky for The Washington Post)
(Tom McCorkle for The Washington Post; food styling by Lisa Cherkasky for The Washington Post)
More from Voraciously:
These two-bite sherbet sandwiches bring a light touch to a nostalgic dessert
A platter of crisp, Cajun-spiced fried green tomatoes is a fitting coda to summer
Chicken salad is a classic. A bold harissa dressing gives it a fresh kick.